About us

World In Focus is run by professional Photographers Simon Watkinson and Tammy Tidmarsh. They run Photography Workshops in the UK and Asia and complete Commercial Photography assignments internationally.

World In Focus is an award winning Photographic Company based in a beautiful location in the Peak District National Park.

They cater for all levels of photographer on their workshops – from complete beginners to advanced professionals and everyone in between!

Simon Watkinson

Internationally renowned photographer Simon Watkinson has over 25 years of experience in professional Photography. Simon gained his Associateship qualification with BIPP in 2004.

Simon has always had a keen interest in photography and was given his first SLR camera as an eight year old. Photography is something that is in the family genes, as Simon’s grandfather was a professional photographer, back as far as the turn of the 20th Century!

Simon’s professional career as a photographer began in 1987 when he was appointed by British Food Manufacturing Industries Research Association (B.F.M.I.R.A.), where Simon undertook the photography of promotional material, product launches, and the photography (documenting) of scientific experiments. Simon was also involved in the whole process of developing the images. It was apparent already that Simon had such an in-depth knowledge of photography that already he was being called upon to train others within the company in photography and photographic technique.

Simon left this position to complete not one, but two worldwide tours, armed with a camera! After this Simon interspersed his career with employment in photographic labs and self-employment as a photographer, completing weddings, portraits and commercial work, whilst living in central London. However his love of the countryside drove him to live ever further North- until he finally settled at his current home in the Peak District National Park. It is here that he has become ever more involved in his passion of Landscape Photography and also set up the very first digital photography training centre (The Peak District Photography Centre) back in 2003.

Simon now specialises in Travel and Landscape Photography and attracts clients internationally both to his courses at home in the Peak District and around the World. Simon has Authored an App for iPad and iPhone as well as writing two eBooks titled Mastering your DSLR camera and Mastering DSLR Travel Photography, which are available on the iBook store.￼ During his career Simon has been commissioned to produce numerous images, which have been used in various publications such as books, journals, brochures, websites, cards and calendars. Simon is widely recognised as a photographer and also for his Digital Imaging expertise. He is an experienced tutor with a unique and entertaining style and has the ability to produce a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The Spout Farmhouse

‘The Spout’ is an 18th Century property set in the Peak District National Park, amongst some of the most stunning countryside that Britain has to offer. The land surrounding The Spout is of particular interest to botanists for the rare plants and flowers. Of particular interest around the property is the rapidly declining Marsh Lousewort or Red Rattle (Pedicularis palustris). In the early summer there are an abundance of orchids, which grow wild.

Numerous species of wildlife are in the immediate vicinity of The Spout. There are Hares, Curlew, Lapwing, Snipes and Barn Owls. There are also of course Blackbirds, Sparrows, Swallows, Pheasants, Herons and also bats- which can be seen darting past the house at dusk! The quarter mile stone track leading to The Spout can often be a real treat, with Hares and Pheasants most commonly seen at all times during the day and an abundance of Curlew during the Spring / Summer months. The wildlife and the variety of local landscapes on offer, from marsh to pasture, moorland to craggy cliff faces makes this area of the countryside a very interesting place to be and to photograph.

TAmMY TIDMARSH

Tammy is the Business Manager for World In Focus.

Tammy was a full time professional model and it was quite by chance that Tammy came to be behind the camera. She first met Simon whilst working as a model on the Workshops that he ran (Peak District Photography Centre). It was from here that she learnt all about Photography and Studio Lighting- all whilst sat in on the courses. She got the opportunity back in 2006 to assist Simon in setting up the Photographic Studio after a horse riding accident left him needing help! From there she discovered a real interest in the Studio and after much tuition from Simon over the preceding years, got to the standard she is at today.

With her background in modelling, Tammy’s main interest is shooting for model portfolios. Tammy gained her Licentiateship with the British Institute of Professional Photography in 2011, for her model testing work.

WHere we Are

World In Focus is set only an hours drive away from several major cities, such as Manchester, Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and Stoke On Trent. Set in the Peak District and close to the Staffordshire Moorlands the land surrounding World In Focus / The Spout Farmhouse offers huge contrast of scenery in very close proximity.

The diverse nature of the Derbyshire and Staffordshire landscape with its rugged hills and tranquil valleys, dry stone walls, picturesque villages and heather clad moorlands provides the perfect setting for photographers of all capabilities to relax in and enjoy their photographic interests. Simon has vast experience behind the camera in Landscape settings the world over and knows just the perfect location to take clients based on the weather, time of year, time of day etc…

We hope to meet you soon!

About Us

World In Focus are an award winning photographic company run by qualified professional photographers, Simon Watkinson and Tammy Tidmarsh. They provide a range of services from Commercial, Corporate and Event Photography Worldwide, to Photography Workshops in the Peak District and in Asia.